Gallina Italy
Gallina USA
Polycarbonate is tough, but how it is stored, fixed and cleaned decides how long it keeps its looks and performance. These are the seven rules we give every installer.
1. Keep wrapped sheets out of the sun
Never store sheets in sunlight while they are still in their protective film. Heat builds up in the packaging and can bond the film to the surface. Store them covered, away from rain, to avoid condensation forming inside the cells.
2. UV side up – then remove the film
The UV-protected side is marked on the film. It must face the exterior. Remove the film immediately after installation, not before and not weeks later.
3. Allow for thermal expansion
Polycarbonate expands by 0.065 mm per metre for every °C. A 6 m sheet that goes from 10°C on a winter morning to 50°C on a summer afternoon grows by about 15.6 mm. Leave room at the edges and in the fixing holes, and use the specific brackets and connectors supplied for each system.
4. Use only compatible silicone
If sealing is needed, use neutral, polycarbonate-compatible silicone. Some sealants and solvents attack polycarbonate – check our chemical resistance table before using anything unusual.
5. Seal the air cells
Close the open ends of multiwall sheets with adhesive aluminium tape (or the dedicated end profiles) so dust, insects and moisture cannot get inside the cells.
6. Clean with water and neutral soap
Water and a neutral detergent are all you need. Never use abrasive products, scrapers or harsh solvents – they scratch the surface and can damage the UV layer.
7. Lift and handle with care
Use suitable hoisting equipment for long sheets and panels, and avoid knocks and scratches during handling. Surface damage spoils the appearance and can weaken the sheet.
Full guidance is on our use and maintenance page. For modular roofs, the arcoPlus® Reversò pages show the brackets, connectors and accessories for each system.